The observances, stretching over four very intense days,
were an emotionally draining but a truly moving experience. According to
the participants of the Uprising who were present as the stars of the
event, this was the greatest celebration ever – finally, after more than
half a century, they felt adequately appreciated. Even though, ten years
ago, the 50th anniversary was observed in a free Poland under the
presidency of Lech Walesa. But this one was on a much grander scale, and
the participants of the Uprising were personally invited and could have
their expenses covered by the city of Warsaw.

The city spared no expense, closing streets for parades,
providing buses for transporting the guests and engaging top-flight talent
for the artistic presentations. An information booklet about the
observances listed all of the many events in all parts of the city, and
included letters from the ambassadors of France, Canada, Great Britain,
Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and Russia. This
last caused an uproar in the press, because it mentioned "the fight
against our common foe" and "the fruits of our shared victory." President
Putin later sent another, less controversial letter, but it too did not
address the Soviet role in inciting and then abandoning the Uprising.

Capsule descriptions of the main events are on pages
under each day's link.